Start your Eurotrip with a look at modern history in Germany’s capital city. With two major international airports servicing many budget airlines in- and outside of Europe, prices are significantly cheaper than some of Berlin’s neighboring cities. A one-way flight from the East Coast of the US will cost just over $300 USD, but set price alerts well in advance to catch a great deal before you book!

The city was officially founded in the 14th century when medieval traders established successful posts in the area and merged in 1307. After centuries of conflicts, kingdoms, and revolutions, the German Empire survived and powered into the 1900’s and both World Wars. As history goes, the Hitler regime took power, Germany lost WWII, the Berlin Wall was built, the country suffered from a series of social unrest, the Berlin Wall crumbled, and the country has since become the most powerful country in the EU. Here’s the best sights to check out during your time in Berlin.

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Visit the East Side Gallery – Art in Berlin flourished during the 20th century, and the remains of the Berlin Wall showing it all. This art gallery features graffiti artwork from Berlin’s days as a divided city with additional information about the city’s history and artistic implications.

See the Brandenberg Gate – Berlin’s remaining city gate is one of Berlin’s best-known landmarks. During their divided days, the Brandenberg Gate was behind the Berlin Wall and was made famous when it was reopened in 1989 after the fall of the Wall. It is a sandstone construction dating from 1791 and supported by 12 columns. It now serves as the centerpiece of Pariser Platz.​Check out Checkpoint Charlie – Divided Berlin’s most well-known border crossing between the East and West was Checkpoint Charlie. Since Checkpoint Charlie was one of the few gaps in the maze of barriers, barbed wire, and guard towers that made up the Berlin Wall, it attracted many East Germans looking to flee to the West. As the site of an infamous showdown between the US and Soviet Union, popular location for prisoner swaps, and iconic riot location when the East German government relaxed its laws in 1989, Checkpoint Charlie is a great place to learn more about the history of the Berlin Wall and those that attempted to escape to the West.

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Visit Potsdamer Platz – In early 1900s, Potsdamer Platz was the busiest square in Europe, rivaling international competitors like Times Square in New York and Piccadilly Circus in London. However, it was destroyed in World War II by air raids and divided by the Berlin Wall thereafter. Following the fall of East Berlin, it became the largest building site in Europe as it has been transformed into a showpiece of Berlin’s modernism with new architecture including offices, hotels, theatres, shopping centers, and the massive Sony Center.​Visit the Holocaust Memorial – Just south of Brandenberg Gate is the Holocaust Memorial. It consists of 2,711 large rectangular stones as a tribute to all those that died during WWII as a result of Hitler’s horrific acts. Below the stones lies a museum that focuses on the lives of individual families. It is absolutely worth seeing, but be prepared for an emotional experience similar to that of a trip to Ground Zero in New York City.

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See the German Parliament, Reichstag – The German Parliament is one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks. It has now has a new look with a dome and draws some of the biggest crowds in Berlin. It’s rich history reflects the stories of Germany through the ages. If interested, make reservations ahead of time to climb the famous glass dome for an unforgettable view over the city.​Explore the Deutsches Historisches Museum – For a wholesome history lesson, this is the place to be. The German historical museum covers everything from prehistory to the present day. There are countless exhibits and the signs provide enough information to be a German history expert in just a few hours.